Tag Archives: LED downlights

Our Blog

How To Install Downlights At Home?

Clearly, Australia has seen a recent spike in the adoption of energy-efficient LED downlights. To be sure, these LED lights are more energy-efficient and offer superior lighting than conventional bulbs like halogen and incandescent downlights. Additionally, because of their extended lifespan, changing bulbs is less expensive and hassle-free. In the lengthy history of lighting, LED downlights are a relatively cutting-edge alternative.

Depending on your preference, LED downlight installation can be wired or done separately with plugs. However, in our opinion, the plug-in option is the best choice because:

  • The cost of hiring an electrician will be lower
  • The actual installation of LED downlights can be securely done by you
  • Should you need to modify them later, it will be simpler to replace them

What Are Downlights?

Recessed lighting fixtures that fit into a ceiling cavity are called downlights. They’re also referred to as “pot lights” or “can lights.” Due to their sleek, inconspicuous design and ability to give a space a contemporary, fashionable appearance, downlights are very popular. The brightness level can be adjusted to suit your needs as they are adjustable.

Step By Step Installation Process

  • Guess How Much Light The Room Requires
    Before installing LED downlights, the first step is to determine how much lighting your space needs. To accomplish this, multiply the room’s width and length to determine its total area, then multiply the resulting number by 1.5.
    This figure represents the total amount of wattage required to properly light the space. For example, the total size of a room measuring 22 feet long by 17 feet broad is 374 square feet. 374 multiplied by 1.5 equals 56, which is the total wattage of LED lights required to adequately light the space.
  • Determine How Many Fixtures Are Appropriate
    Finding the right number of lights to use is now possible since you know the overall wattage of lights needed for the space. Divide that amount by the total wattage of the LED lights you intend to utilize.

If you want to utilize 60-watt LEDs and the area needs 561 watts of lighting overall, you will need 9 or 10 bulbs to illuminate the space well.

Be aware that pre-wiring may need to be done by an electrician if you are installing lights in a newly built home.

If you already have lights in your house, you might want to think about switching out your old, halogen downlights for more contemporary LED ones.

To ensure safety, it would be advisable to have each light installed with a power connector by electricians, or alternatively, hardwire them.

  • Set The Lights Evenly
    To have the biggest impact, you should then equally distribute the lights. It is highly advised that there be at least a two-foot distance between each smart downlight.

But keep in mind that this is only a general guideline, and depending on the area, you may need to make some little alterations. Simply concentrate on achieving balanced lighting, and don’t worry if you need to move or add downlights.

A good strategy to control downlight installation costs is to have the lights installed and secured after the ceiling is finished by your painter or builder.

The labor costs for an average homeowner’s electrician can be greatly reduced with this method.

  • Think About Utilizing A Dimming Kit
    During installation, a dimming kit is necessary since it controls the output, improving energy efficiency and prolonging the life of the lights.
  • To Create A Focal Point, Use Gimbal Downlights
    By using gimbal downlights to illuminate artwork, you may make a focal point in your space. You can adjust the direction of illumination with these multifunctional downlights, which are a better option than conventional halogen lights because they can rotate and swivel.
  • Install A Power Plug For Each Light
    Experts advise using a power plug with every light since it offers the highest level of security and adaptability. Hard-wiring them is the alternative. If they are plugged in, replacing them or temporarily removing them (for example, to paint a ceiling) is an easy do-it-yourself task; thus, hiring an electrician at $75 per hour is not necessary.

Transformers are normally included in LED downlight packages. It should be easy to plug in the Australian power plug that comes with the transformer. That implies you have the option of doing this yourself by just plugging the lights in or by hiring help.

Installing Downlights In An Existing House

  • Employ an electrician to remove the current transformers and light fixtures, then connect an appropriate plug to the flexible power cable.
  • Hard-wiring into a socket’s bigger connection holes is significantly quicker and simpler for an electrician to do than hardwiring into a tiny LED driver.
  • You can just plug in the lights or you can save money by hiring an electrician.
  • You may either plug in or clip in the lights while the painters work, or you can do it yourself.

Things To Consider When Purchasing Downlights

Make sure you have the appropriate LED bulbs before installing them; otherwise, your efforts might be in vain. For the greatest outcomes, there are a few key elements listed in this section that you should take into account when purchasing downlights.

  • Gimbal Or Fixed Downlights
    Determine first whether you require fixed downlights, gimbals, or both. Gimbal lights allow you to adjust the illumination in the desired direction, while fixed downlights remain set in one location and point the light in one direction.
  • Warranty
    Make sure your lights are covered by a warranty so you won’t have to pay extra for future repairs or replacements. To be safe, if at all feasible, choose the brand with the longest warranty.
  • Color Temperatures
    The ambiance of your home is determined by the color temperature. Cool white has a faint bluish hue and helps increase attention by lowering melatonin production, whilst warm white is calming and comfortable.

Bottom-Line

LED downlights are a versatile, affordable, and energy-efficient lighting solution that may improve the visual appeal and ambiance of any area. To guarantee the installation is completed safely and in accordance with all electrical rules, it is best to engage a registered electrician to wrap up the task.

Our Blog

How Much Does It Cost To Install Downlights?

The ambiance and beauty of your home can be substantially improved by adding downlights. Downlights give off a sleek, contemporary appearance that complements almost any design or style. Downlights are a great choice for lighting fixtures because they are mood-based and take up less space. But, you might put your entire household in danger if you attempt to install these lights yourself. They can be a little complex. Installing it by an electrician is therefore advised.

However, the most important query that most homeowners have is, “How much does it cost to install downlights?” To assist you in estimating costs, we’ll go into further detail in this blog post.

What Is LED Lighting?

For many businesses and homeowners today, LED lighting is the best option. The explanations are simple: they are far more durable and energy-efficient than conventional lighting solutions. Compared to incandescent bulbs, LED lights can consume up to 85% less electricity. Over time, you will save a lot of money on your electricity bill with this level of efficiency.

LED bulbs are also renowned for their durability. More than 50,000 hours, or almost 25 times longer than conventional light bulbs, can be expected from them. Long-term savings and fewer bulb replacements are anticipated from this.

How Much Is The Cost Of Downlights?

Depending on the kind you require, downlight prices can change. Typically, LED downlight bulbs range in price from $10 to $50 per bulb. Remember that the longevity of the bulb and the cost of the electricity it uses are additional factors in the total cost of ownership, in addition to the bulb’s purchase price.

In addition, warranties are another benefit of LED downlights. These guarantees, which vary in duration based on the manufacturer and type, can provide long-term financial savings as well as peace of mind.

The Major Factors That Affect The Cost Of Downlight Installation

  • Type Of Lightbulb
    Different kinds of light bulbs can be used, depending on the purpose of the room in which you intend to install them. The intricacy of the job will be determined by the type of bulb, which has a significant impact on the total cost of downlights. An electrician’s total charge often includes the cost of installing LED downlights and supplies.
  • Number Of Downlights
    The total number of downlights you wish installed is another factor that influences the cost. If you frequently find yourself arguing over how many downlights to install, the short answer is that it will depend on the room’s size and desired ambiance.

For example, in a 14-square-meter bedroom, you can install 12 lights. If you are uncertain, you can ask your installer for advice.

Where do you wish to deploy them?

Your electrician may charge a higher rate for inaccessible areas, particularly if they need the use of alternative materials or require the electrician to make electrical alterations.

It is vital to take into account whether you intend to install them indoors or outside, as these scenarios call for distinct strategies. For example, considering weather-related wear and tear, outdoor downlights require regular inspections by an electrician. On the other hand, you might require less lights outside than inside.

Work’s Complexity

The complexity of the work will affect the labor costs. For instance, the depth and kind of ceiling will determine how long it takes to complete the task, and longer hours reflect higher labor expenses. Additionally, different bulb kinds may require various methods. Your electrician might require help if you want a large quantity of downlights.

While prices for LED downlights typically range from $50 to $70 per point, electricians may charge as much as $110 for each downlight. To prevent unforeseen costs, always remember to obtain a detailed quote upfront.

Do Proper Research

The price range for installing downlights typically falls into:

  • $110–$150 for the initial half-hour
  • $80–$110 per hour after

Estimates for installing downlights can vary greatly. While some electricians would bill $110 for each downlight, others might bill between $60 and $75 for each electrical outlet when installing LED downlights.

The costs shown for installing downlights are approximations since they depend on a number of factors, including availability, locality, and spending capacity. Get many quotations from qualified electricians in your region if you’ve made the decision to install a lot of lights. This will ensure that you’re getting the greatest deal available.

Alternatively, you could decide to purchase a downlight kit. The bulb, driver, fitting, lead, and plug are typically included in these kits, along with everything else you need. A 12W downlight kit typically costs about $18 and a 13W LED downlight kit costs about $25, although they can cost as much as $190. LED lights typically have a five-year warranty and can last up to 50,000 hours. However, if you’re installing new downlights, always remember to hire a qualified electrician.

Downlight Safety

Downlight safety is one of the main reasons you shouldn’t install downlights yourself. Installing downlights incorrectly can result in a number of issues, including home fires. LED bulbs nevertheless provide a risk even though they often produce less heat than halogen lighting.

Use licensed electricians to install light switches to avoid any issues or illegal wiring. Australian regulations must be met by every downlight purchased, and nothing combustible should be placed around the downlights. These requirements should be known to all electricians, and they will install your downlights safely and correctly.

Furthermore, as safety is a major consideration, pick lights that adhere to Australian requirements as well. You may use these lights with confidence, knowing that they are safe for use at home because they have undergone safety and efficiency testing.

Bottomline

It’s not necessary to be skilled in downlight installation. It’s crucial to employ a professional electrician for wiring and lighting projects. Electrical work can be dangerous for your health and safety, thus it’s illegal to hire unlicensed tradespeople to do it or to do it yourself. All electricians must obtain a license before they may install downlights in your home, even though state laws may differ.

LED downlights may seem expensive at first to buy and install, but in the long run, they save you money and are a wise investment for your house. You’ll benefit from a lighter and cozier house in addition to lower electricity costs.